Installation Guides

Engineered Wood Flooring Installation Guide

Introduction

Engineered wood flooring combines the natural beauty of real hardwood with enhanced stability and performance. Constructed from a genuine hardwood wear layer bonded to multiple layers of plywood or hardwood backing, engineered flooring is designed to minimise expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature and humidity.

For best results, installation should be carried out by a qualified flooring professional in accordance with current industry standards and the recommendations outlined below.

Before Installation

Inspect Your Flooring

Before installation begins, carefully inspect all boards for:

  • Colour consistency
  • Surface finish
  • Board dimensions
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Transit damage

As timber is a natural product, variations in colour, grain pattern, knots, mineral streaks and character markings should be expected and are not considered defects.

Do not install any board that appears defective.

Installation of the product constitutes acceptance of its appearance and quality.

Acclimatisation

Engineered wood flooring must be acclimatised within the room of installation before fitting.

Recommended Conditions

  • Minimum acclimatisation period: 48 hours
  • Room temperature: 18°C – 27°C
  • Relative humidity: 40% – 60%

Store flooring:

  • Flat and level
  • In unopened packaging
  • Away from direct sunlight
  • Away from excessive heat or moisture

Failure to properly acclimatise flooring may result in excessive movement after installation.

Subfloor Preparation

A suitable subfloor is essential for successful installation.

The subfloor must be:

  • Clean
  • Dry
  • Structurally sound
  • Free from contaminants
  • Level within industry tolerances

Suitable subfloors include:

  • Concrete
  • Plywood
  • Timber floorboards
  • Existing stable flooring surfaces

Any uneven areas should be corrected before installation.

Moisture testing should always be carried out prior to installation.

Expansion Gaps

Wood is a natural material that responds to environmental conditions.

To allow for natural movement:

  • Leave a 10–15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.
  • Maintain expansion gaps around pipes, columns, kitchen islands and fixed furniture.
  • Never install flooring tightly against walls or fixed structures.

Expansion gaps should be concealed using skirting boards, scotia, or suitable trims.

Installation Methods

Depending on the product construction and site conditions, engineered wood flooring may be installed using one of the following methods:

Floating Installation

Boards are connected together and installed over an underlay without being fixed directly to the subfloor.

Glue-Down Installation

Boards are fully bonded to the subfloor using an approved wood flooring adhesive.

Nail-Down Installation

Boards are mechanically fixed to a timber subfloor through the tongue using specialist flooring fixings.

Always refer to the product-specific installation guide before installation.

Underfloor Heating

Many engineered wood flooring products are suitable for use with water-based underfloor heating systems.

To ensure long-term performance:

  • Maximum floor surface temperature must not exceed 27°C.
  • Heating systems should be commissioned before installation.
  • Temperature increases should be gradual.
  • Indoor humidity should be maintained between 40% and 60%.

Please refer to the flooring specification before installing over underfloor heating.

After Installation

Following installation:

  • Remove all spacers.
  • Install skirting boards or finishing trims.
  • Do not fix trims directly to the flooring.
  • Avoid dragging furniture across the floor surface.
  • Use felt pads beneath furniture legs.

Allow any adhesives to cure fully before placing heavy furniture on the floor.

Ongoing Maintenance

To maintain the appearance and performance of your floor:

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly.
  • Remove spills immediately.
  • Avoid excessive water.
  • Use manufacturer-approved wood floor cleaning products.
  • Avoid steam cleaners unless specifically approved.
  • Maintain stable room temperature and humidity throughout the year.

Important Notice

Engineered wood flooring is manufactured from natural timber and will exhibit natural variation in colour, grain, texture and character.

Natural movement resulting from seasonal changes in temperature and humidity is an inherent characteristic of wood flooring and should not be considered a product defect.

The installer is responsible for confirming site suitability, subfloor conditions, moisture levels and installation methods prior to installation.

Failure to follow installation recommendations may invalidate the product warranty.

Total Wood Flooring reserves the right to amend specifications, installation recommendations and warranty conditions without prior notice.

Total Wood Flooring reserves the right to make the final determination regarding the interpretation and application of these installation guidelines, technical specifications and warranty provisions.